A local drive-in movie theater wants to show Buffalo Bills prime-time games on the big screen, but first they need league approval. The Transit Drive-in is located in Lockport, a little more than a half-hour drive from New Era Field. They posted their intentions on Facebook over the weekend.
“When the 2020 football season begins this fall, Buffalo has four night games scheduled which could potentially be shown on the giant outdoor screens at the drive-in, in a social distancing friendly environment, if we were granted permission by the league,” wrote the business page. “We would also be able to show the Buffalo at Denver game on December 20, if the start time, which is currently TBD, were to be designated at 4:00 PM or later.”
The Bills play on Thursday, October 15th in a home game against the Kansas City Chiefs. On December 7th, they are at the San Francisco 49ers on a Monday night before returning to Orchard Park for a Sunday night game on December 13th. On December 28th, they are on Monday night again, this time against the New England Patriots. Buffalo vs Denver could be flexed to Saturday, December 19th in the late afternoon or evening spots.
How much would this cost for fans? The drive-in says they won’t charge as they made their case for the games.
“We will be happy to make professional football games available to fans for free at the drive-in, for those who are not able to attend games in person due to the anticipated limitations in gameday stadium seating,” they said on Facebook. “Additionally, it is difficult to predict what restrictions will still be in place for sports bars when football season resumes. The drive-in could provide a vibrant fan experience for live football games, in a safe, social distancing friendly environment, if we are legally allowed to do so.”
They even say they would consider showing non-Bills games on the big screens if there was an interest due to the bars being closed.
This isn’t the first time the drive-in has publicly declared their intentions to show Bills games. The league has previously not responded to their requests. With the coronavirus limiting other local options and fans likely being restricted at games, perhaps this is the kind of option the league needs now.